Health advisories due to state's wildfires

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DENVER - Smoke-related health issues will continue through Thursday due to the number and size of fires across Colorado. The biggest threat to health in Denver and the metro area will be the smoke and ash coming from the Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs.

This fire is sending a plume of smoke thousands of feet into the air and a strong wind from the south is pushing the smoke straight over the metro area.

Any one with sensitive respiratory systems need to pay close attention the next few days and follow the health steps laid out for each particular area. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment has issued the following "watch" areas:

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY. Active children and adults, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor or outdoor exertion when smoke is thick.

Outlook: This evening the winds will be southerly in direction decreasing the amount of smoke around Colorado Springs, but areas to the north of the fire will be affected Wednesday night including locations along a Monument to Elbert line north to the Denver metro area. The winds will shift back to a east to northeast direction overnight Wednesday night and areas to the south and west of the fire, including Colorado Springs, will once again be impacted.

Affected Area: Fremont County and parts of surrounding counties, including the cities of Salida, Canon City and Pueblo.

Advisory in Effect: Through 9:00 AM Thursday, Jun 13, 2013

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY. Active children and adults, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor or outdoor exertion when smoke is thick.

Outlook: Light to locally heavy smoke is expected in areas surrounding the fire. This afternoon the winds will become more variable in direction with the highest smoke impacts for areas in close vicinity to the fire. The winds will turn more westerly overnight Wednesday night impacting locations including Canon City, Florence, Penrose and Pueblo.

Affected Area: Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding areas, including the city of Ft. Collins.

Advisory in Effect: Through 9:00 AM Thursday, Jun 13, 2013

Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY. Active children and adults, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor or outdoor exertion when smoke is thick.

Outlook: Light to locally heavy smoke is expected within Rocky Mountain National Park and around the Estes Park area for much of the day. With a stronger southwest wind developing this afternoon, some smoke could spread further to the northeast and possibly impact Loveland and Ft. Collins. A drainage wind component should shift the winds to a more northeasterly direction overnight Wednesday night with smoke increasing to the southwest of the fire in the Grand Lake area.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.